This 1928 postcard shows the slogan: I built this camp by the side of the road to be a friend to tourists adapted from the familiar line in the poem The House by the Side of the Road by Sam Walter Foss: Let me live in a house by the side of the road and be a friend to man.
In 1926, John W. Ogle operated first motel in Ames possibly the earliest tourist court in Iowa at 318 East Lincoln Way. The 1932 Hobbs Guide reported this was one of the finest tourist facilities on the Lincoln Highway, and that car parking was available inside the room. A 1964 advertisement touted, direct dialing, television, courtesy coffee, 24 hour service, ice, air conditioning, kitchenettes and reasonable rates.
NEW TOURIST CAMP WILL BE OPENED HERE
Ames Daily Tribune and Ames Evening Times, May 15, 1926
A tourist court where a traveler can find hotel accommodations in a home-like atmosphere is nearing completion on East Lincoln way. The court, designed and being constructed by J.W. Ogle, is a private undertaking, Mr. Ogle being the sole owner. when completed, Ames will be equipped with one of the most modern and up-to-date tourist parks along Lincoln highway.
Mr. Ogle returned some time ago from a seven months automobile trip of the western states where he inspected the various tourist camps and makeshift arrangements that have been provided for transient visitors. He is now installing all the little conveniences that "he missed on his trip."
EVEN RADIO INCLUDED
The court consists of 30 cabins, each lathed and plastered, cement floors, space inside for cars, bed, table, chairs, gas cook stove, sink, city water and electric light, with a central building for recreation. A spacious lobby made home-like with a large fireplace, writing and reading tables, radio, piano, and lounges, occupies part of the main building which is located in the center of the circle of cabins.
There will be a store in connection where supplies can be secured, two rest rooms with shower baths and lavatories and a large laundry room.
Car parking was available inside the room. The garage door was next to the people door and you drove right into your room.
PREPARES FOR WINTER TRAVEL
Eighteen of the cabins will be completed by the first of June and will be ready for use at that time, Mr. Ogle said today. Believing that in future years, travel will become more common during the winter months, Mr. Ogle has planned the court to care for winter travel. Stoves can be installed and the structure of each compartment is similar to that of residences. Altho built for warmth, large windows, situated at advantageous points, allow sufficient ventilation for the hottest summer nights.
Arrangements are being made for locking the gates of the court at regular hours each night, thus eliminating the danger of theft of property.
A handy convenience that is often missed on long trips, is that of facilities for washing one's automobile. With this in mind, Mr. Ogle has set aside a special part of the main building where water and washing equipment can be secured. Situated as it is on the Jefferson and Lincoln highway, the court is expected to attract a large number of tourists.
This above postcard from the early 1950s has printed on the back: Located on Highway 30, two blocks east of Junction 30-69, Ames, Iowa. Open year 'round, with finest accomodations in a restful setting. Thirty heated rooms and thirty baths.
Owners/Managers
1926 - 1935 - John Ogle
1936 - 1945 - William and Fern Neuman
1958 - 1961 - Stanley Hurless (name changed to Ames Tourtist Motel in 1958)
1963 - 1964 - Mrs. Thelma Hawk (name changed to Ames Moter Lodge in 1964)
1965-1973 - Laurence and Imelda Bailey
1975 - 1976 - Patk and Twila Altenhofen
1977 - Robert and Eileen Lua
1978 - 1984 - John and Betty Libby
1985 - Rick and Cory Lee
1986 - 1989 Jan Calkins
1990 - 1992 - Tom Pritchard
1993-1997 Jan Calkins
1998-2000 - Joane Sly
John and Nancy Upchurch
